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STAR of MILITARY MERIT (SMV)

2018

Updated: 15 April 2018 Current to: 27 June 2015 (CG) 3 SMVs and Honours and Awards Report 2017 Pages: 18 ==========================================================================================

Sergeant Patrick Tower, SMV, CD, PPCLI

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STAR OF MILITARY VALOUR (SMV) CG DATE NAME RANK UNIT DECORATIONS / 29/11/08 BALL, James Corporal 1 PPCLI Mentor Afghan Army SMV 18/09/12a BELZIL, Jean-François Roger Donald Corporal R22eR Battle Group Afghanistan SMV 13/08/11 CHASSÉ-JEAN, Gabriel Lieutenant R22eR Battle Group Afghanistan SMV 27/06/15 COURVILLE, Sébastien Sergeant Provincial Response Company SMV CD 24/02/07 FLETCHER, William Hilton Major 1 PPCLI Battle Group Afghanistan SMV CD 23/06/07 LAROCHELLE, Jess Randall Private 1 RCR Battle Group Afghanistan SMV 29/11/08 MacDONALD, William Kenneth Sergeant 1 PPCLI Battle Group Afghanistan SMV 03/07/10 PINCHIN, Jeremy Corporal RCR Battle Group Afgh MMM SMV CD 19/04/08 QUICK, David Nelson Major RCR Battle Group Afghanistan SMV CD 27/06/15 RATZLAFF, Thomas Sr. CPO US Navy Seals – Afghanistan SMV (KIA) 08/12/12 ST-HILAIRE, Taumy Private R22eR Battle Group Afghanistan SMV 29/11/08 SNYDER, Jonathan Captain 1 PPCLI Mentor Afghan Army SMV (Post) 27/03/10 SHULTZ, David George WO Reconstruction Team MMM SMV CD 13/08/11 STACEY, Richard MWO LSH (RC) Afghanistan MMM SMV CD 27/06/15 SUFFOLETTA, David Umberto Mario Captain Provincial Response Company SMV MSC CD 23/06/07 TEAL, Sean Corporal 1 RCR Battle Group Afghanistan SMV 24/02/07 TOWER, Patrick Sergeant 1 PPLCI Battle Group Afghanistan SMV CD 13/08/11a THREE No Ranks Afghanistan – CANSOFCOM SMV 22/06/13 TWO No Ranks Afghanistan – CANSOFCOM/CDI SMV 22 (5 not gazetted by name) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------

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1 Sergeant Patrick Tower, 1 PPCLI Joint Task Force Afghanistan

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CITATIONS to the STAR of MILITARY VALOUR (SMV) FLETCHER, William Hilton SMV CD CG: 24 February 2007 Major GH: 06 February 2007 OC ‘C’ Company PPCLI Battle Group Joint Task Force Afghanistan DOI: January to August 2006

“As Officer Commanding ‘C’ Company, Task Force Afghanistan, from January to August 2006, Major Fletcher repeatedly demonstrated extraordinary bravery by exposing himself to intense fire while leading his forces, on foot, to assault heavily defended enemy positions. On two occasions, the soldiers at his side were struck by enemy fire. He immediately rendered first aid and then continued to head the subsequent assaults. On these occasions and in ensuing combat actions, his selfless courage, tactical acumen and effective command were pivotal to the success of his company in defeating a determined opponent.”

Medals: SMV – SW Asia bar Afghanistan – Peacekeeping – NATO bar Former Yugoslavia – CD

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CITATIONS to the STAR of MILITARY VALOUR (SMV) TOWER, Patrick SMV CD CG: 24 February 2007 Sergeant GH: 27 October 2006 1 PPCLI Battle Group Joint Task Force Afghanistan DOI: 03 August 2006

“Sergeant Tower is recognized for valiant actions taken on August 3, 2006, in the Pashmul region of Afghanistan. Following an enemy strike against an outlying friendly position that resulted in numerous casualties, Sergeant Tower assembled the platoon medic and a third soldier and led them across 150 m of open terrain, under heavy enemy fire, to render assistance. On learning that the acting platoon commander had perished, Sergeant Tower assumed command and led the successful extraction of the force under continuous small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire. Sergeant Tower's courage and selfless devotion to duty contributed directly to the survival of the remaining platoon members.” Medals: SMV – SW Asia bar Afghanistan – Peacekeeping – UNFPROFOR – NATO bar Former Yugoslavia (3 tours) – CD (photo below right)

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CITATIONS to the STAR of MILITARY VALOUR (SMV) LAROCHELLE, Jess Randall SMV CG: 23 June 2007 Private GH: 24 April 2007 1 RCR Battle Group Afghanistan DOI: 14 October 2006

“On 14 October 2006, Private Larochelle of the 1st Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group was manning an observation post when it was destroyed by enemy rocket in Pashmul, Afghanistan. Although he was alone, severely inured, and under sustained enemy fire in his exposed position at the ruined observation post, he aggressively provided covering fire over the otherwise undefended flank of his company’s position. While two members of the personnel were killed and three others were wounded in the initial attack, Private Larochelle’s heroic actions permitted the remainder of the company to defend their battle positions and to successfully fend off the sustained attack of more than 20 insurgents. His valiant conduct saved the lives of many members of his company.”

Medals: Star of Military Valour – General Campaign Star with SWA ribbon ========================================================================================== TEAL, Sean SMV CG: 23 June 2007 Corporal GH: 24 April 2007 1 RCR Battle Group Afghanistan DOI: 03 September 2006

“On 03 September 2006, during Operation MEDUSA, the light utility vehicle driven by Corporal Teal, a member of 7 Platoon Charles Company, was hit and destroyed by enemy rocket-propelled grenade fire. Despite being wounded, Corporal Teal assessed the situation and under heavy enemy fire, moved to report the situation and bring assistance. He then returned twice to the vehicle to provide treatment to his severely wounded comrades, including the platoon medic, and to evacuate all personnel injured of killed. His brave and professional actions saved lives and allowed the orderly withdrawal of his platoon under heavy fire.”

Medals: Star of Military Valour – General Campaign Star with SWA ribbon ==========================================================================================

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CITATIONS to the STAR of MILITARY VALOUR (SMV) QUICK, David Nelson SMV CD CG: 19 April 2008 Major GH: 20 March 2008 2nd Battalion, 2 Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group Afghanistan DOI: Jan to August 2007

“For extraordinary courage as OC India Company, 2nd Battalion, 2 Royal Canadian Regiment, during intense combat operations throughout Zharey District, Joint Task Force Afghanistan, from January to August 2007.”

“Major Quick displayed exceptional courage while commanding India Company, 2nd Battalion, 2 Royal Canadian Regiment, Joint Task Force Afghanistan, from January to August 2007. He led his troops from the front during numerous intense combat operations throughout the Zharey District. On 22 April 2007, despite injuries incurred by the explosion of a bomb, Major Quick kept on going, using his tactical skills. His prowess and selfless dedication, fundamental in defeating a determined enemy, inspired the Battle Group to victory.”

Medals: SMV – General Campaign Star with SWA ribbon – OSM ribbon Haiti – OSM ribbon Humanitas - Peacekeeping – NATO bar former Yugoslavia - NATO bar Kosovo – CD OSM = Operational Service Medal ==========================================================================================

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Lieutenant-Colonel David Nelson QUICK, SMV, CD Commanding Officer, 3rd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment

Lieutenant-Colonel David N. Quick was born at Trenton, Ontario on 11 February 1974. He considers Ottawa, Burnstown and Trenton, Ontario as his home towns. He enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces on 10 January 1994. After completion of training he commissioned into The Royal Canadian Regiment, serving initially with 1 RCR at Petawawa from 11 August 1995 to 15 July 2000. While with 1 RCR Lieutenant-Colonel Quick commanded first a rifle platoon in Bravo Company and then Recce Platoon in Echo Company. He was also 2-i-C of Echo (Combat Support) Company. During his tour with 1 RCR, Lieutenant-Colonel Quick was twice deployed on overseas operational missions, to Bosnia in 1998 and then to Kosovo from 1999 to 2000. Posted to Toronto, he served as a staff officer at LFCA HQ from 15 July 2000 to 05 August 2002. He was then selected for the Army Officer Degree Program and attended the University of Toronto from August 2002 to June 2003. He subsequently graduated with a Bachelor of Military Arts and Sciences degree granted RMC. He was posted to Gagetown, New Brunswick and taken on strength with 2 RCR on 16 June 2003. While with 2 RCR he served as Assistant Ops Officer, OC Combat Support Company, and OC India Company. Lieutenant-Colonel Quick completed two additional operational tours while with 2 RCR. He was in Haiti with the Multinational Interim Force from March to August 2004. Then Lieutenant-Colonel Quick served in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, seeing action as a rifle company commander from January to August 2007. He was wounded in action. He will arguably be best remembered in the Regiment for his dynamic lead-ership, innovative tactics, and heroic actions while a combat leader in Afghanistan. Two months into the tour Lieutenant-Colonel Quick suffered severe injuries to his neck and back when the Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) he was travelling in was caught in the blast of a detonated Taliban IED. Despite these serious wounds he continued to command India Company for the remaining five months of the tour. Though carrying the fight to the enemy and inflicting several reverses on the Taliban of Zharey District, not a single man in India Company was lost. His inspirational leadership and personal gallantry resulted in the award of the Star of Military Valour. Lieutenant-Colonel Quick served as the Commanding Officer of 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, from 14 June 2011 to 06 June 2013. He was then seconded to Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) as the Manager of Domestic Operations — Commemo-rative Division until his retirement. Lieutenant-Colonel David Nelson Quick, SMV, CD retired from the Canadian Army as of 12 January 2014. This retirement is unfortunately the result of wounds suffered on the field of battle in Afghanistan.

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CITATIONS to the STAR of MILITARY VALOUR (SMV) SNYDER, Jonathan SMV CG: 29 November 2008 Captain – 1 PPCLI Posthumous GH: 28 October 2008 Mentor to the Afghan Army DOI: 04 June 2008 BALL, James SMV CG: 29 November 2008 Corporal – 1 PPCLI GH: 28 October 2008 Mentor to the Afghan Army DOI: 04 June 2008

“Corporals Baker, Ball and Bancarz, and Captains Peel and Snyder were deployed to Afghanistan to serve as mentors to an Afghan company, when they were ambushed by Taliban insurgents on 04 June 2008. With little chance of survival, they exposed themselves to great peril and retaliated against the enemy while encouraging the Afghan soldiers to do the same. Captain Snyder seized control of the situation and ensured that the Afghan soldiers retrieved their wounded comrades. Corporal Ball led a two-man team across broken terrain to secure an extraction route that allowed for the execution of a fighting withdrawal by Captain Peel and corporals Bancarz and Baker. Because of their dedication, leadership and valour, many Afghan and Canadian lives were saved.”

Corporal Cary Baker, Corporal Steven Bancarz and Captain Robert Peel received the Medal of Military Valour (MMV) as per Canada Gazette of 29 November 2008.

Corporal Ball (left) with Megan Stewart (Synder’s wife) and Captain Synder (inset)

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CITATIONS to the STAR of MILITARY VALOUR (SMV) MacDONALD, William Kenneth SMV CD CG: 29 November 2008 Sergeant (now Warrant Officer) GH: 28 October 2008 1 PPCLI Battle Group Afghanistan Joint Task Force Afghanistan DOI: 03 August 2008

“On 03 August 2006, amidst chaos and under sustained and intense enemy fire in Afghanistan, Sergeant MacDonald selflessly and repeatedly exposed himself to great peril in order to assist his wounded comrades. Despite the risk, he ensured that his men held on until reinforcements arrived and that the platoon’s focus remained on holding the ground that they had fought so hard to secure.”

Medals: SMV – SWA Medal with bar Afghanistan – Peacekeeping – UNPROR – NATO bar former Yugoslavia – NATO bar Kosovo - CD

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CITATIONS to the STAR of MILITARY VALOUR (SMV) SCHULTZ, David George MMM SMV CD CG: 27 March 2010 Warrant Officer - PPCLI GH: 21 October 2009 Joint Task Force Afghanistan DOI: 06 May 2008 “For outstanding leadership and courage when he repeatedly entered a kill zone to extract casualties in addition to executing the patrol’s fighting withdrawal, Joint Task Force Afghanistan 06 May 2008.” “On May 6, 2008, a Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team patrol was ambushed in the Zhari district of Afghanistan. At the first sign of contact, Warrant Officer Shultz formulated and executed a flanking manoeuvre to neutralize the insurgent position. After securing the area and providing a situational report, the patrol was attacked again. Regardless of the risks, Warrant Officer Shultz plunged into intense enemy fire to assess the situation, direct his soldiers and engage the enemy. He repeatedly re-entered the danger zone to extract casualties and execute the patrol’s fighting withdrawal. His leadership and courage inspired his soldiers and prevented further casualties.” Awarded Member of the Order of Military Merit (MMM) as per Canada Gazette of 06 June 2015 in the rank of Master Warrant Officer. Medals: MMM - SMV – Campaign General Service Star with bar ISAF – Peacekeeping – UNPROFOR (2) – NATO bar former Yugoslavia – NATO bar Kosovo - Canada 125 – EIIR Diamond Jubilee – CD and bar

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CITATIONS to the STAR of MILITARY VALOUR (SMV) PINCHIN, Jeremy MMM SMV CD CG: 03 July 2010 Corporal - Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group GH: 29 May 2010 Sniper Joint Task Force Afghanistan DOI: 16 November 2008

“On November16, 2008, Master Corporal Pinchin’s small sniper detachment was on an isolated rooftop, in Zhari District, Afghanistan, protecting the southern flank of a joint Canadian-Afghan patrol. As they were advancing on an enemy position, they were attacked and outnumbered by a well-coordinated group of insurgents. When a fellow soldier sustained a life-threatening wound, Master Corporal Pinchin immediately administered first aid and shielded him, thus exposing himself to great risk. Fortunately, his protective armour bore the brunt of several enemy strikes as he aided his comrade. Master Corporal Pinchin’s selfless act of heroism saved the life of a fellow soldier.

Awarded Member of the Order of Military Merit (MMM) as per the Canada Gazette of 04 June 2016 in the rank of Sergeant. Medals: MMM - MMV – General Campaign Star with Southwest Asia ribbon and one extra tour bar – Operational Service Medal - EIIR Diamond Jubilee - CD

========================================================================================= THREE SMV CG: Not Gazetted No ranks given GH: 11 March 2011 Canadian Special Operations Forces Command DOI: 2010

“His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, announced the awarding of three Stars of Military Valour and two Medals of Military Valour, as well as one Meritorious Service Cross, three Meritorious Service Medals and one Mention in Dispatches, to members of the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM). These members received their decorations today (11 March 2011) during a ceremony at Rideau Hall in the presence of the Chief of the Defence Staff. They were recognized for devotion and acts of valour in the presence of the enemy and for military deeds performed in a highly professional manner. For security and operational reasons, recipients’ names and citations are not released.”

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CITATIONS to the STAR of MILITARY VALOUR (SMV) CHASSÉ-JEAN, Gabriel SMV CG: 13 August 2011 Lieutenant – Royal 22e Régiment GH: 02 June 2011 Platoon Commander – Royal 22e Régiment Battle Group DOI: 08 June to 29 June 2009

“From June 8 to 29, 2009, Lieutenant Chassé-Jean demonstrated valiant service under fire while leading his platoon to defeat the enemy in Afghanistan. Over an extended period, and amidst the chaos and confusion of combat, his fearless conduct in the engagement of a determined enemy, as well as his ability to keep his soldiers composed, were critical to multiple victories in a difficult theatre of operation. Whether leading a frontal assault, controlling the situation while trapped in dangerous positions, or directing supporting gunfire, he showed courage and inspirational leadership, which were key to the success of multiple engagements.”

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CITATIONS to the STAR of MILITARY VALOUR (SMV) STACEY, Richard MMM SMV CD CG: 13 August 2011 Master Warrant Officer – Lord Strathcona’s Horse GH: 02 June 2011 Multinational Combat Team DOI: 04 August 2009

“On August 4, 2009, Master Warrant Officer Stacey’s valour in the face of the enemy enabled his multinational combat team to fight through multiple ambushes by insurgents in Afghanistan. He led the complex recovery of multiple vehicles which had been disabled by improvised explosive devices, while under enemy fire from all sides. He sorted through the chaos and issued clear direction to Canadian, American and Afghan forces. Throughout eight hours of intense combat, his gallantry, perseverance and selfless dedication to his soldiers were critical to defeating a ferocious and determined enemy.”

Awarded Member of the Order of Military Merit (MMM) as per Canada Gazette of 2013 in the rank of Master Warrant Officer. Medals: MMM - Star of Military Valour – General Campaign Star with SWA ribbon and two tours bar – SSM with bar NATO – Operational Service Medal with Haiti ribbon - Peacekeeping – UN Haiti with Bar – NATO bar former Yugoslavia – NATO bar Kosovo - CD

Master Warrant Officer Richard Stacey, SMV, CD

Stacey has been a member of the Canadian Forces since 1983. He joined the Strathconas, serving with them in Bosnia, Kosovo and Haiti. Stacey was on his second tour in Afghanistan in 2009. As the sergeant-major of “C” Squadron, it was his job to manage casualties and resupply troops and vehicles. The squadron saw a lot of combat during that summer, notes Major John Cochrane, who was Stacey’s immediate superior at the time, with insurgents launching rocket and suicide-bomb attacks in the lead-up to Afghanistan’s presidential elections. The squadron was headed back to base along the Arghandab River, Cochrane says — a popular place for ambushes due to its sandy, tire-trapping shores. The distance was a mere 15 kilometres. The convoy had set out at dawn, Stacey says, and travelled in peace for about an hour and a half before the first explosion. As he worked to get the crew out of the crippled tank, enemy forces started firing on them from three directions. “It got progressively worse from there.” Stacey spent the next eight hours zipping up and down the convoy’s 1,800-metre length, treating wounded, fixing vehicles, organizing defences and calling in air strikes from attack helicopters. “There was too much going on.” It was probably the most intense fire-fight of his career, he says. It was hard to get a grip on the number of people attacking them, he says — three or five guys would open fire, slink off, and then resume fire further down the convoy. “This was non-stop for eight hours.” Three Afghan National Army soldiers would die by the end of the day. Stacey says he didn’t think much about the ambush after he finally got back to base — he was too busy planning the next day’s activities. Stacey’s situation would have been extremely difficult to manage in even the best of times, Cochrane says, and Stacey exceeded all expectations. “He probably was doing the job of at least three men at once,” he says, and saved many lives in the process. ==========================================================================================

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CITATIONS to the STAR of MILITARY VALOUR (SMV) BELZIL, Jean-François Roger Donald SMV CG: Not Gazetted Corporal – Royal 22e Régiment GH: 18 September 2012 Royal 22e Régiment Battle Group - Joint Task Force Afghanistan DOI: 09 April 2011

“On April 9, 2011, upon intercepting enemy radio transmissions, 3 Platoon, A Company, awaited an attack on the security cordon established to the north of Zangabad, Afghanistan. When the first insurgent shot rang out, Corporal Belzil and Corporal Cousineau moved in that direction with their anti-tank gun, coming across a Canadian section and its Afghan counterpart pinned down under enemy fire, as well as a seriously wounded Afghan soldier lying out in the open. Thanks to Corporal Cousineau’s effective covering fire, and despite heavy enemy fire, Corporal Belzil succeeded in destroying the stronghold from which the deadly insurgent shots originated. They both then pulled the wounded soldier to cover and administered first aid. Corporal Belzil and Corporal Cousineau’s composure and disregard for personal danger helped to push back the enemy attack and save the life of an Afghan soldier.”

Corporal Marc-André Cousineau was awarded the Medal of Military Valour (MMV) ========================================================================================== ST-HILAIRE, Taumy SMV CG: 08 December 2012 Private – Royal 22e Régiment GH: 13 November 2012 Royal 22e Régiment Battle Group - Joint Task Force Afghanistan DOI: 19 April 2011

“On April 19, 2011, Private St-Hilaire demonstrated exceptional courage during a battle in Afghanistan. While engaging the enemy from his rooftop position, he noticed an Afghan father and son pinned down under enemy fire. On his own initiative, and despite enemy aggression from three separate positions, he requested covering fire before going down to the exposed victims to lead them to shelter. Private St-Hilaire’s bravery and selflessness enabled him to save both lives and to quell the attack.”

Medals: Star of Military Valour – General Campaign Medal with SWA ribbon and one extra tour bar

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CITATIONS to the STAR of MILITARY VALOUR (SMV)

ONE SMV MSC CG: 22 June 2013 No ranks given GH: 07 June 2013 Officer Commanding of the Embedded Partner Team Kandahar Response Team DOI: 07 May 2011 – 08 May 2011

“In a series of bold and coordinated attacks across the rugged Afghan terrain Taliban insurgents attempted to shift their fighting from the countryside to the crowded urban streets of the nation’s major cities, in the spring of 2011. The enemy selected key targets including areas of high tactical value throughout Kandahar City, the provincial capital and focal point of the insurgency. On May 7, 2011, shots rang out close to an Afghan Police checkpoint just outside the walls of the Kandahar Provincial Response Company (K-PRC) compound. As the attacks in the city grew in intensity, the Afghan government decided to call K-PRC to help quell the surge. The Kandahar Provincial Response Company (K-PRC) was a well-trained and well-led, limited-notice response force comprised primarily of Afghan police who were trained and mentored by crack soldiers of Canadian Special Forces Operation Command (CANSOFCOM). After brief orders were issued to the force, including their Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR) mentors, they moved to the centre of the city to conduct a reconnaissance on the massive building they were requested to clear by the American Force Commander. What they saw in front of them was a maze of vender stalls and shops littered with rugs and tapestries capable of hiding even the largest enemy opposition force from sight. Over the next 24 hours, the K-PRC would face one of its greatest challenges and stretched its personnel, leadership, and mentors to the brink. “The conspicuous combat actions of these Special Forces Operators in the battle of Building 4 was borne of hard training and personified an admirable dedication to mission success,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Hank Szelecz, commanding officer of CSOR. “Their actions were merely a reflection of the dedication, professionalism and commitment that all men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces demonstrate on a daily basis in defending Canadians, and our country.” As a result of this event, seven members of the Regiment were awarded the following: two Stars of Military Valour (SMV), one Meritorious Service Cross (MSC), one Medal of Military Valour (MMV), one Mention In Dispatches (MID), and three Chief of the Defence Staff Commendations. Governor General David Johnston and General Tom Lawson, CDS presented the majority of these awards at Rideau Hall on June 7. A CANFORGEN will be released in extension of CANFORGEN 052/13 – Honours Announcement with additional information. The distinguished leadership, courageous service and self-sacrifice of the above mentioned CSOR members reflect extremely well on CANSOFCOM and the greater CAF community. On behalf of Commander CANSOFCOM, sincere congratulations are extended to all recipients.”

The Officer Commanding of the Embedded Partner Team responsible for mentoring the Kandahar Provincial Response Company was awarded the Star of Military Valour. On May 7/8, 2011, this member bravely led and mentored his team through a close quarter clearance operation of a multi-storied building. Under intense fire and at great personal risk, he valiantly coordinated multiple assaults and successfully neutralized the insurgent threat. This member was also awarded the Meritorious Service Cross for dramatically improving the operational effectiveness of the Kandahar Provincial Response Company, thereby enhancing both the Afghan Rule of Law and the overall legitimacy of the Afghan government.” ==========================================================================================

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CITATIONS to the STAR of MILITARY VALOUR (SMV) ONE SMV CG: 22 June 2013 No ranks given GH: 07 June 2013 Embedded Partner Team Kandahar Response Team DOI: 07 May 2011 – 08 May 2011

“His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, announces the awarding of 2 Stars of Military Valour and 1 Medal of Military Valour, as well as 1 Meritorious Service Cross, 3 Meritorious Service Medals, to members of the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) and the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI). The decorations were presented on 7 June 2013 by the Governor General, during a ceremony at Rideau Hall. General Tom Lawson, Chief of the Defence Staff, was also in attendance. The recipients were recognized for devotion to duty and acts of valour in the presence of the enemy and for military deeds performed in a highly professional manner. During the ceremony, the Chief of the Defence Staff presented the Chief of the Defence Staff Commendation to two CANSOFCOM members. For security and operational reasons, recipients’ names and citations will not be released.”

========================================================================================== COURVILLE, Sébastien SMV CD CG: 06 June 2015 Sergeant GH: Not Announced Provincial Response Company – Kandahar DOI: 07 & 08 May 2011

“On May 7 and 8, 2011, Sergeant Courville demonstrated exceptional courage and dedication while mentoring an assault element of the Provincial Response Company–Kandahar during a spectacular and prolonged attack in Kandahar City. During a particularly intense exchange of fire, Sergeant Courville pulled to safety one of his Afghan partners who had been seriously wounded. Through his actions, Sergeant Courville saved a life and lent tremendous credibility to the Afghan National Police and to the Canadian Forces.”

In 2017, this citation was declassified and announced in the Honours and Recognition 2017 Canadian Forces Report. ==========================================================================================

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CITATIONS to the STAR of MILITARY VALOUR (SMV) SUFFOLETTA, David Umberto Mario SMV MSC CD CG: 06 June 2015 Captain GH: Not announced Provincial Response Company – Kandahar DOI: 07 & 08 May 2011

“On May 7 and 8, 2011, Captain Suffoletta demonstrated exceptional valour while mentoring an assault element of the Provincial Response Company–Kandahar during a spectacular attack in Kandahar City. Under intense fire and at great personal risk, he led his team through a close-quarter clearance operation of a multi-storeyed building, valiantly coordinating multiple assaults that successfully neutralized the insurgent threat. Captain Suffoletta demonstrated distinguished leadership, courageous service and self-sacrifice in the presence of an armed enemy.”

Awarded Meritorious Service Cross (MSC) announced by the Governor General on 11 March 2011 (not gazette) Medals: Star of Military Valour (SMV) – Meritorious Service Cross (MSC) – General Campaign Star with SWA ribbon and two extra tour bars - CD In 2017, this citation was declassified and announced in the Honours and Recognition 2017 Canadian Forces Report.

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CITATIONS to the STAR of MILITARY VALOUR (SMV) To a Member of the United States Navy

RATZLAFF, Thomas SMV CG: 06 June 2015 Senior Chief Petty Officer – United States Navy GH: Not Announced USN Seal DOI: 26 November 2008

“During an operation in Afghanistan on November 26, 2008, Senior Chief Petty Officer Ratzlaff demonstrated extraordinary heroism while reinforcing an assault on a fortified enemy machine gun nest. After multiple attempts to silence the machine gun, he gained entry through a hail of enemy fire. Without hesitation, he deliberately placed himself in harm’s way at point-blank range to neutralize the nest. His heroic actions saved countless lives in the face of a determined enemy.”

In 2017, this citation was declassified and announced in the Honours and Recognition 2017 Canadian Forces Report. Thomas Ratzlaff was born on November 3, 1976, in Harrison, Arkansas. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on May 25, 1995, and completed basic training at NTC Great Lakes, Illinois, in July 1995. Ratzlaff next completed gunner’s mate training at NTC Great Lakes from August 1995 to March 1996, and then served aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Kidd (DDG-993) from April 1996 to March 1998. Petty Officer Ratzlaff attended Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training at NAB Coronado, California, from June to December 1998 and then Jump School at Fort Benning, Georgia, in January 1999. He served with SEAL Team TWO at NAB Little Creek, Virginia, from February 1999 to April 2003, followed by service with Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU) at Dam Neck, Virginia, from April 2003 until he was killed in action when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter he was aboard was shot down in Afghanistan on 06 August 2011. SCPO Ratzlaff was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. While serving with SEAL Team TWO he deployed to Kosovo in 1999, and while serving with DEVGRU he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom multiple times. During this time he also deployed to Iraq in 2007. His 4th (of 5) Bronze Star Medal w/Valor Citation reads: For heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy as a Reconnaissance Team Leader for a Joint Task Force in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM from 1 March 2010 to 1 July 2010. During this period, Senior Chief Petty Officer Ratzlaff displayed superior battlefield courage on several direct action missions that resulted in numerous enemy combatants eliminated. On 4 April 2010, he was in charge of a sniper team during a nighttime raid on a heavily armed foreign fighter commander. As the assault force set containment, they were engaged by an armed sentry patrolling in front of the target building. From his position on an adjacent building, Senior Chief Petty Officer Ratzlaff quickly eliminated the enemy sentry while the tactical call-out commended. During this call-out, several heavily armed foreign fighters unleashed a massive volley of fire from inside the targeted building. While under heavy enemy small arms fire, Senior Chief Petty Officer Ratzlaff calmly maintained his position as he returned direct fire at the barricaded enemy until the enemy fire subsided. His decisive actions, under fire, resulted in the elimination of the targeted individual and many heavily armed foreign fighters. By his extraordinary guidance, zealous initiative, and total dedication to duty, Senior Chief Petty Officer Ratzlaff reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. ==========================================================================================